Mr. Samuelson's piece isn't even naive, it's just dishonest. And he insults those Americans who rightly believe that the wealthy enjoy more power when he calls them "cynical." What dreamland is he living in?

He has only presented some exceptions to the rule. But his "best example" of the power of wealth in America — involving income tax rates — is silly. He points out that the wealthy pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes than others, but conveniently neglects to mention why: Because they can!

His goal of refuting the idea that the rich in America hold the power in Washington is ultimately not worth the effort. Nobody thinks that the wealthy have absolute power. In the American democratic system, wealth, power and influence do not win every political battle.

But does anyone really believe that wealth in America (or practically anywhere) does not generally offer those who have it a large and often unjust advantage in politics as well as in daily life?